Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to note the commitment both from the Minister of State, with whom I have discussed this on many occasions, and especially the Taoiseach, but it is past time. I am disappointed we will not be able to hold a referendum before the next Presidential election. When I mentioned this to our citizens abroad they were really delighted. They were delighted also when I was appointed by the Taoiseach in that they felt they were being recognised at long last. It is something of which all the parties are in favour, and of which the convention came out in favour. However, we do not have a good record in referendums in this country. I would impress on the Minister of State and the Taoiseach and all the Members of both Houses that when we have the referendum that everybody is fully behind it, and not half-heartedly. It is a once-off opportunity and we are going to make it happen. We owe it to our people abroad.

Do not forget that even in the last five or six years, some 230,000 young people left Ireland. There are about 500,000 parents of those people who want their sons and daughters to come back here. I have brought this up with the Minister of State before and we have to make it easier for our citizens to return as this is their home and will always be. We have to make it much easier, with things like drivers' licences, insurance and health care, that when they come back there is a welcome for them and that they feel like they are wanted back home.

I thank the Minister of State for his commitment. We have to make sure that we really go at this wholeheartedly.